Best brunch in western mass, best experience brunch i’ve had. Crispy yet moist sumptuous potatoes. cinnamon cornbread! brunch was presented in three courses. Set in an old paper mill, overlooking a waterfall. love this place
Lee Mashburn
Beautiful outdoor setting with delicious food to compliment. Service is fast and friendly, with big positions making the price worth it. However, if nothing else, come for the view. Almost every table has a beautiful view of the water an it creates a wonderful setting to have a meal! Also, the dressing on the greens is possibly the best thing I’ve ever tasted!
Shelby Rose O'Brien
Beautiful view, the food was delicious. Very serene.
Stuart Krantz
I like my Cold noodle dish (Although I wished I asked for it Hot.) and sitting next to The Montague Mills Falls was quite the treat. I would trim up the hillside a little - if DEP let’s them - fit a bit clearer view of the falls.
Jose Lopez Ganem
As a food professional, I very really comment on this forums on the work of colleagues; notwithstanding, leaving behind praises for chef/owner Howard Wein and his team is necessary. I've been visiting the Montague Book Mill on-and-off for a period of years: I met my wife there, I had (prior COVID-19) professional meetings with peers from NT/VT under the auspice of its walls and gardens: the Alvah Stone is always the highlight of the visit. A couple of months back I reached out to chef Wein to ask for a particular favor: I wanted to organize a small gathering in lieu of my wedding reception for family. As noted before, this is a place of emotional significance for my wife and I, and given the restrictions in place at the moment, it has the benefit to have the most precious outdoor siting in the Pioneer Valley. Chef Wein and his team worked with me to make this memory was (1) safe for all attendees, (2) accesible for people with dietary restrictions, (3) tasty - I dare to say - outstandingly delicious, (4) stress-free with clear communication throughout the planning process, and (5) extra luxurious given the ongoing challenges of COVID-19.Trying to support the Alvah Stone as a regular customer during COVID-19, I can see why some guests might find disposable ware or no-reservation policy troublesome; however, its is important to note that (1) the quality of food/beverage at the Alvah Stone remain top-of-the-notch, best of the Valley, and (2) hospitality provided is unblemished despite general labor shortage - and inherited risk of working service positions - in restaurants nationwide. Both kitchen and deck staff work gracefully and tirelessly to make this spot a destination when visiting or living along the Connecticut River.Just like the Michelin Guide would recommend for a 3-star country French restaurant: the Alvah Stone is worth a detour!
Gary Ransom
Lamb ribs! Never had’em, and now I don’t know where they’ve been all my life! Anyhow, this place has come up with a great Covid protocol that allows for great waterfall-side dining while being smart about distancing. You just order and pay at an outdoor greeting station as you walk in. Then you pick a table and they deliver your food. Works great and ends up being very quick. Go there!
Anya R.
Full disclosure, I am a food snob- I appreciate good food and good service. Alvah stone exceeded all my expectations. Firstly, the ambiance is gorgeous - tables are right by the waterfall/river and it really feels like you are somewhere in Netherlands! Service was impeccable- Willa was welcoming and friendly, without being overly imposing. Lastly, the food was delicious! We got salami/cheese platter (nothing special), hibiscus gin and tonic along with other drinks (all delicious.....didn't care for sangria though), and every single entree we've had topped our expectations! I particularly loved the seared salmon and the peanut noodles with grilled shrimp. Really really liked this spot and would definitely be back when I am in town again. Thank you, Alvah stone!
Fred F.
We stopped in for lunch on the deck in the midst of a long bike ride from Northampton. The chop chop salad and spicy eggplant sandwich were great. We were surprised by a sudden rain storm. The laughing staff dashed through the storm to bring an extra umbrella to our table to protect us. We waited out the storm for 45 minutes and then walked back to our very wet bikes in the parking lot. Imagine our surprise and pleasure when the waitress showed up unasked with two kitchen towels which she thought we might want to use to dry off our seats etc. before we rode home. Great food. Great view of the waterfall off the deck. Great service. It doesn't get any better than that!
N I.
A great view of the stream. But the check in person refused to let us sit at the tables overlooking the stream although several were empty. Such refusal to accommodate a simple request makes you regret eating at such a joint! Quite rude.
Don Sadowsky
Very picturesque location by the rushing stream that served an old mill, with outdoor seating. The spicy eggplant is alone worth coming for. The staff is friendly but stays out of the way
Absolutely beautiful outdoor patio next to the relaxing sounds of rushing water.The griddled cornbread was perfect.As for the food...they REALLY like their sauces. The peanut noodles (recommended by waitstaff) was drenched in the peanut sauce (far more sauce than noodle by volume). The Spicy Eggplant sandwich was drowning in the tahini. The lack of balance is disappointing, and did not live up to the hype. I severely regret not eating at the other onsite restaurant, The Lady Kilgrew. Ugh ugh ugh.**Guy sitting next to us confirmed that the peanut noodles 'always' have too much sauce hence why he never orders them.**DO NOT GET THE PEANUT NOODLES!!!!! They are inedible.
Alex F.
As far as food goes, it was ok. As far as experience goes - don't waste your time. Our bill was close to $200 and we were forced to eat out of paper take out boxes. No menus were given out, we were instructed to order as soon as we got to the host stand. The drinks were probably the best part of the entire meal - and even those were over priced seeing as we were drinking out of plastic cups. Sad to see a cute restaurant with a great atmosphere be such a disappointment.
Cheryl D.
What a beautiful setting for an absolutely delicious dinner the food was spectacular we ordered a lot of the menu and everything was spot on drinks were strong and tasty the Wait staff was attentive helpful and friendly and the owner Harold sent out deserts for the group. What a hidden gem. You dine on the side of the bldg outside next to a river bed. What a beautiful way to end a nice getaway. We are already planning on going back .
Michael Schvarczkopf
This place is a real treat! Excellent food excellent service and the location next to a beautiful waterfall makes it very special. Nice selection of gourmet food with reasonable prices.
Emily Davis
The servers and the view were lovely, but that’s the only good thing I can say. The food was extremely lackluster for the EXPENSIVE prices and it was served in to-go containers?! We thought the Alvah stone was going to be a classy restaurant, but it just seemed tacky and poorly managed.
Best brunch in western mass, best experience brunch i’ve had. Crispy yet moist sumptuous potatoes. cinnamon cornbread! brunch was presented in three courses. Set in an old paper mill, overlooking a waterfall. love this place
Beautiful outdoor setting with delicious food to compliment. Service is fast and friendly, with big positions making the price worth it. However, if nothing else, come for the view. Almost every table has a beautiful view of the water an it creates a wonderful setting to have a meal! Also, the dressing on the greens is possibly the best thing I’ve ever tasted!
Beautiful view, the food was delicious. Very serene.
I like my Cold noodle dish (Although I wished I asked for it Hot.) and sitting next to The Montague Mills Falls was quite the treat. I would trim up the hillside a little - if DEP let’s them - fit a bit clearer view of the falls.
As a food professional, I very really comment on this forums on the work of colleagues; notwithstanding, leaving behind praises for chef/owner Howard Wein and his team is necessary. I've been visiting the Montague Book Mill on-and-off for a period of years: I met my wife there, I had (prior COVID-19) professional meetings with peers from NT/VT under the auspice of its walls and gardens: the Alvah Stone is always the highlight of the visit. A couple of months back I reached out to chef Wein to ask for a particular favor: I wanted to organize a small gathering in lieu of my wedding reception for family. As noted before, this is a place of emotional significance for my wife and I, and given the restrictions in place at the moment, it has the benefit to have the most precious outdoor siting in the Pioneer Valley. Chef Wein and his team worked with me to make this memory was (1) safe for all attendees, (2) accesible for people with dietary restrictions, (3) tasty - I dare to say - outstandingly delicious, (4) stress-free with clear communication throughout the planning process, and (5) extra luxurious given the ongoing challenges of COVID-19.Trying to support the Alvah Stone as a regular customer during COVID-19, I can see why some guests might find disposable ware or no-reservation policy troublesome; however, its is important to note that (1) the quality of food/beverage at the Alvah Stone remain top-of-the-notch, best of the Valley, and (2) hospitality provided is unblemished despite general labor shortage - and inherited risk of working service positions - in restaurants nationwide. Both kitchen and deck staff work gracefully and tirelessly to make this spot a destination when visiting or living along the Connecticut River.Just like the Michelin Guide would recommend for a 3-star country French restaurant: the Alvah Stone is worth a detour!
Lamb ribs! Never had’em, and now I don’t know where they’ve been all my life! Anyhow, this place has come up with a great Covid protocol that allows for great waterfall-side dining while being smart about distancing. You just order and pay at an outdoor greeting station as you walk in. Then you pick a table and they deliver your food. Works great and ends up being very quick. Go there!
Full disclosure, I am a food snob- I appreciate good food and good service. Alvah stone exceeded all my expectations. Firstly, the ambiance is gorgeous - tables are right by the waterfall/river and it really feels like you are somewhere in Netherlands! Service was impeccable- Willa was welcoming and friendly, without being overly imposing. Lastly, the food was delicious! We got salami/cheese platter (nothing special), hibiscus gin and tonic along with other drinks (all delicious.....didn't care for sangria though), and every single entree we've had topped our expectations! I particularly loved the seared salmon and the peanut noodles with grilled shrimp. Really really liked this spot and would definitely be back when I am in town again. Thank you, Alvah stone!
We stopped in for lunch on the deck in the midst of a long bike ride from Northampton. The chop chop salad and spicy eggplant sandwich were great. We were surprised by a sudden rain storm. The laughing staff dashed through the storm to bring an extra umbrella to our table to protect us. We waited out the storm for 45 minutes and then walked back to our very wet bikes in the parking lot. Imagine our surprise and pleasure when the waitress showed up unasked with two kitchen towels which she thought we might want to use to dry off our seats etc. before we rode home. Great food. Great view of the waterfall off the deck. Great service. It doesn't get any better than that!
A great view of the stream. But the check in person refused to let us sit at the tables overlooking the stream although several were empty. Such refusal to accommodate a simple request makes you regret eating at such a joint! Quite rude.
Very picturesque location by the rushing stream that served an old mill, with outdoor seating. The spicy eggplant is alone worth coming for. The staff is friendly but stays out of the way
Restaurantji Recommends
Absolutely beautiful outdoor patio next to the relaxing sounds of rushing water.The griddled cornbread was perfect.As for the food...they REALLY like their sauces. The peanut noodles (recommended by waitstaff) was drenched in the peanut sauce (far more sauce than noodle by volume). The Spicy Eggplant sandwich was drowning in the tahini. The lack of balance is disappointing, and did not live up to the hype. I severely regret not eating at the other onsite restaurant, The Lady Kilgrew. Ugh ugh ugh.**Guy sitting next to us confirmed that the peanut noodles 'always' have too much sauce hence why he never orders them.**DO NOT GET THE PEANUT NOODLES!!!!! They are inedible.
As far as food goes, it was ok. As far as experience goes - don't waste your time. Our bill was close to $200 and we were forced to eat out of paper take out boxes. No menus were given out, we were instructed to order as soon as we got to the host stand. The drinks were probably the best part of the entire meal - and even those were over priced seeing as we were drinking out of plastic cups. Sad to see a cute restaurant with a great atmosphere be such a disappointment.
What a beautiful setting for an absolutely delicious dinner the food was spectacular we ordered a lot of the menu and everything was spot on drinks were strong and tasty the Wait staff was attentive helpful and friendly and the owner Harold sent out deserts for the group. What a hidden gem. You dine on the side of the bldg outside next to a river bed. What a beautiful way to end a nice getaway. We are already planning on going back .
This place is a real treat! Excellent food excellent service and the location next to a beautiful waterfall makes it very special. Nice selection of gourmet food with reasonable prices.
The servers and the view were lovely, but that’s the only good thing I can say. The food was extremely lackluster for the EXPENSIVE prices and it was served in to-go containers?! We thought the Alvah stone was going to be a classy restaurant, but it just seemed tacky and poorly managed.